How Often Should I Clean My Bird’s Cage?

Your bird’s cage has several components to it, and these will need to be washed off at various times. It is best to establish a routine for cleaning the cage, beginning with the tasks that need to be done on a daily basis. This will help you to perform these actions quickly, and it will also have a positive effect on your bird’s health. Here are some tips for properly cleaning your bird’s cage from Dr. Shufer and Dr. Henderson.

Items to Clean Every Day

The cage liner needs to be replaced regularly, and this can consist of a single layer or layers of newspaper. It also needs to be black and white, as colored ink can be toxic to your pet. Make sure your bird’s waste has not soaked through the bottom layers of newspaper when replacing the top sheet.

Your bird’s food and water dish need to be cleaned using hot soapy water, and this must be done in an area away from where your food is prepared. You can also use a disinfectant, or you can place them in the dishwasher. It is important to make sure that no traces of detergent remain. The cage needs to be completely dry so that mold does not form on top of food pellets. Some people will purchase more than one dish set so that they can use an alternate while one is being cleaned.

You can wash your pet’s water bottle by using a bottle brush, and the birdbath should be cleaned with hot soapy water, dried, returned to its place, and refilled with fresh water. You’ll want to run a vacuum over the floor space surrounding the cage to clear away any feathers, droppings, seeds, or other debris.

Cage Items to Clean on a Weekly or Monthly Basis

The frequency with which you’ll need to rinse the items under this subheading will depend on the number of birds that you own and their size. The cages of larger birds will need to be tidied up on a weekly basis, and those of smaller birds can usually be done once a month. You may want to move the bird to another location, so he/she won’t be exposed to chemicals, and you’ll want to remove all accessories from the cage.

You can place the cage in a shower and use a hand-held nozzle, or you can take it outside and use a hose to spray it down. Start with water and then wash it with a disinfectant. It is best to let it air dry in the sun. Perches and toys can be cleaned using dishwashing detergent, and your bird’s waste can be removed by using sandpaper.

Some toys can be placed in the dishwasher, and others, such as ropes, can be put into the washing machine. It is ideal to air dry these as well, but they can be placed in the oven 250º for 10 minutes instead.

We will be happy to answer any of your questions regarding your bird’s cage and its regular maintenance, and we invite you to choose Alta Rancho Pet & Bird Hospital for all your veterinary needs.